Walking to Prevent Falls
There’s little doubt that regular walking helps elders avoid falling. By strengthening bones and increasing muscle strength, flexibility and sense of balance, walking is an important fall prevention strategy.
When You Can’t Be Home for the Holidays; National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 6-12, 2015
These and other stories are in the December edition of the Caring Right at Home e-newsletter, providing information, advice and support for adult caregiving.
Gift Ideas for the Elderly
In an effort to reduce your stress when shopping for your parents or grandparents, Right at Home has put together a brief guide to gift ideas for the elderly. We’ve taken into account budget, lifestyle and interests. After all, the holidays shouldn’t be about the stress of finding the perfect gift; they should be about the joy you feel when watching someone you love open it.
A Caregiver’s Gratitude at Thanksgiving
I discovered firsthand that caring for someone who is suffering changes a lot of things – including how you count your blessings. Before, I never thought to be thankful that Alex could get into or out of bed by himself. It hadn’t occurred to be grateful for conversations that weren’t focused on pain levels, medication schedules or bowel functions. Above all, I had no idea of how thankful I could be for a good night’s sleep.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips
The house is full of bustling conversations and the rich aroma of your favorite Thanksgiving entrees. The grandkids are scurrying from room to room, while the adults mingle and munch in the kitchen, grandkids
RightConversations
Mom is showing signs of mental slowing. Dad’s arthritis leaves him barely able to walk. Their need for at-home care is becoming more evident, but you dread “the conversation.”
Sarcopenia: An Unfamiliar Cause of Falling
Sarcopenia begins around age 45 and increases thereafter. By age 65, people, especially those who are sedentary, have lost almost half of their muscle mass and strength. The muscles become so weak that everyday mobility becomes difficult.
I’ve Fallen! Is it Alzheimer’s?
If an elder with memory problems suffers a fall, there’s a tendency to just dismiss the cause by saying that the person has Alzheimer’s. But Alzheimer’s is not the only health issue that can lead to memory loss, confusion and forgetfulness.
Can Home-Monitoring Technology Prevent Falls in Elders?
Up to 50% of elders fall each year in their home. Many of these falls result in broken bones, hospital admissions and relocation to nursing homes for ongoing care. Can an elder, who is growing frailer with age, remain at home safely?
Know a Senior Trying to Save Money?
Recently we’ve seen a lot of stories on how people are trying to make ends meet in rough economic waters by cutting back on their meds, doctor’s appointments and immunizations. While harmful to all, cutting back on meds can be especially detrimental to seniors. It is also very important to the physical and mental well-being of seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle.